Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island paradise, offers guests an unforgettable tropical escape with a touch of pixie dust. With pristine beaches, exciting activities, and exclusive experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or family fun, planning your day wisely ensures you maximize your time in this magical destination. Here are the top tips to optimize your visit to Castaway Cay.
Watch the Ship Dock for a Magical Morning
While sleeping in on vacation is tempting, waking up early to watch the ship dock at Castaway Cay is a breathtaking experience. If your stateroom has a porthole or veranda, you can enjoy the view in your pajamas!
However, the best way to take it all in is by grabbing breakfast and sitting outside. As you arrive, the ship’s starboard side offers the island’s best view. Watching the island come to life in the morning is the best start to a magical day.
Arrive Early for the Best Spots
Getting off the ship early has major perks. The family beach fills up quickly, and arriving first ensures you secure the perfect lounge chairs, a shaded spot, or even a hammock.
If you’re visiting Serenity Bay, the adult-exclusive beach, arriving early means you’ll have the best chance at a peaceful, crowd-free experience. The earlier you get out, the more time you have to soak in everything Castaway Cay offers.
Pack Light—Disney Provides the Essentials
There’s no need to overpack for your day on Castaway Cay. Disney provides towels on the island, so you can leave yours on the ship. Bring the basics:
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- A good book
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Waterproof phone case for photos
- A small bag for essentials
If you’re interested in extra adventure, you can rent snorkel gear, water tubes, or bikes on the island.
Port Adventures: Fun but Not Essential
Castaway Cay offers a variety of Port Adventures, from parasailing and stingray encounters to deep-sea fishing and jet skiing. While these excursions can add to the experience, they’re not necessary–especially if you’re on a budget!
The island has plenty of fun, free activities—relaxing on the beach, swimming, or exploring nature trails. If you want extra adventure, you can rent snorkel gear, water floats, bikes, or kayaks without committing to a complete Port Adventure.
Consider Splurging on a Cabana
Cabanas on Castaway Cay are a luxury, but if you can swing it, they’re worth every penny. As of 2025, family beach cabanas are priced at $880 for up to six guests, with additional guests at $56 each.
Serenity Bay cabanas, available on the adults-only beach, cost $523 for up to four guests. These private retreats offer:
- Comfortable lounge furniture
- Ceiling fans
- A stocked fridge with refreshing drinks
- Exclusive beach access
- Towels, sunscreen, and snacks
- A personal cast member service button
A private space makes the day even more relaxing, especially for families or larger groups.
Serenity Bay: A Haven for Adults
For guests 18 and older, Serenity Bay is an oasis of tranquility. After disembarking, take the tram to the family beach stop, where you’ll transfer to another tram that takes you to Serenity Bay.
This peaceful retreat offers:
- A quiet, uncrowded beach
- Hammocks and lounge chairs
- A serene sandbar with starfish and rays
- A dedicated bar and an adults-only barbecue featuring steak and grilled fish
- Private massage cabanas
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, Serenity Bay is the place to be.
Let Kids Enjoy the On-Island Kids’ Club
If your kids are comfortable being in the Disney Cruise Line’s supervised kids’ club, they can have an action-packed day while you enjoy some relaxation.
Scuttle’s Cove, the island’s kids’ club, offers supervised activities like:
- Beach games and treasure hunts
- Swimming and sandcastle building
- A special kid-friendly buffet
With kids engaged in fun activities, parents can enjoy some much-needed downtime while still being nearby.
Explore the Island by Bike
A great way to see Castaway Cay is by renting a bike. Affordable and fun, biking lets you explore the island’s scenic trails, discover hidden spots, and even uniquely reach Serenity Bay.
Some highlights of biking on Castaway Cay include:
- The Observation tower offers stunning island views
- Shady nature trails filled with tropical plants and wildlife
- Quick and easy access to different beach areas
It’s a perfect activity for families looking to add adventure to their day.
Enjoy Lunch at Cookie’s BBQ
There’s no need to head back to the ship for lunch—Castaway Cay has fantastic dining options right on the island. Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too serve up a satisfying buffet featuring:
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Ribs and chicken
- Fresh salads and fruit
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Disney’s signature cookies
Serenity Bay’s adults-only BBQ offers additional options like steak and grilled fish, making for a more elevated dining experience.
Capture Memories with a Photo at Mount Rustmore
Castaway Cay is filled with picture-perfect spots, but one of the best is Mount Rustmore—a quirky landmark featuring rusted metal sculptures of Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.
Disney characters often make appearances here, giving you the chance to snap some fun, one-of-a-kind photos with your favorite pals and the ship as a backdrop.
Grab Exclusive Castaway Cay Merchandise
If you’re a Disney merchandise fan, don’t miss the exclusive Castaway Cay souvenirs available only on the island. These items can’t be found anywhere else, from t-shirts and hats to pins and beach gear.
If you see something you love, buy it while you can—it won’t be available later in any Disney parks or online shops!
Make the Most of Your Time and Enjoy
Ultimately, Castaway Cay is about relaxation, adventure, and family fun. Whether you spend your day lounging in a hammock, biking the trails, or splurging on a cabana, embrace the island lifestyle and enjoy the magic that Disney has created.
There’s no wrong way to experience Castaway Cay—just go with the flow and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Have you spent a day on Castaway Cay? Share your island tips with Disney Dining in the comments!
